|
Forum Rules | Firearms Safety | Firearms Photos | Links | Library | Lost Password | Email Changes |
Register | FAQ | Calendar | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
October 30, 2012, 07:06 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 9, 2011
Posts: 1,246
|
If you had to use a cast bullet
OK, so the question is, if you had to use a cast bullet in a 3" revolver chambered for .45 Colt would you use a 200gr bullet or the old 255gr bullet?
This would be for personal protection against bad guys. I'm pretty sure either one would work but maybe the 200gr bullet would be better suited for that application. Thoughts? |
October 30, 2012, 07:25 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 10, 2012
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Posts: 2,986
|
I go on the assumption the more lead, the better.
Bob Wright |
October 30, 2012, 07:26 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 11, 2008
Posts: 197
|
The 255 has been putting bad guys under the dirt since my granddad was in diapers.
|
October 30, 2012, 07:29 PM | #4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 10, 2012
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Posts: 2,986
|
John Moses saith:
Quote:
Bob Wright |
|
October 30, 2012, 07:52 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 31, 2004
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,432
|
Non expanding lead? If so then the 200 grainer, preferably a SWC. I think shape is more important than weight. All the penetration of a 255 bullet is wasted on thin humans.
|
October 30, 2012, 08:17 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 24, 2010
Posts: 111
|
I would test them both over my chronograph and then decide.
|
October 30, 2012, 09:38 PM | #7 |
Junior member
Join Date: January 1, 2007
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,282
|
I had a 454190 hollowpointed..Just a thought. I do like the heavier bullet alsoWhat kind of shooter is it?
|
October 30, 2012, 10:04 PM | #8 |
Junior Member
Join Date: October 26, 2012
Posts: 5
|
I have a preference for the bigger slugs in a 45 Colt. My favorite shape I cast from a NEI 265K that drops 270 grains out of wheel weight lead. The big flat nose of a Keith bullet really whacks the hell out what it hits. It does not need to expand or go at any great speed to be effective in this caliber.
A 255 semi wad cutter going 700+ fps will put down two legged snakes with authority. You can control recoil by keeping velocity lower and maintain knock down by using heavier bullets. |
October 31, 2012, 12:21 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 26, 2010
Posts: 1,536
|
I agree with bob. The more lead the better
__________________
Find out just how tall I am By jumping in the middle of a river |
October 31, 2012, 03:49 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 6, 2005
Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia
Posts: 4,766
|
I'd use 200 grain because that's what I have in stock. I doubt anyone would notice the difference.
__________________
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV) |
October 31, 2012, 04:09 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 1, 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 284
|
How about a 225gr anti-personnel wad cutter from Buffalo Bore?
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=269 |
October 31, 2012, 04:48 AM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 25, 1999
Location: Too close to Houston
Posts: 4,196
|
Take advantage of the larger case capacity and don't limit yourself to .45acp bullets. I believe a 250-260gr SWC will punch through a lot more than a 200gr SWC even if the lighter bullet is moving a bit faster.
__________________
Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter. |
October 31, 2012, 07:04 AM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 26, 2006
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 9,333
|
RIFLEMAN... those cartridges are pretty interesting... I currently use Buffalo Bore Standard pressure Gold Dots in my everyday carry ( a custom Ruger 45 Colt snubbie )
I've always like big meplat bullets, & have heard before of the advantages of wadcutters in terminal performance ( listed in test on the previous link ) so... you do know that you'll get a big difference in point of impact between the 2 bullet weights... & ( I have a large supply of cast 45 acp bullets ) in my expirience, I haven't gotten the kind of groupings I'd like from the lighter bullets
__________________
In life you either make dust or eat dust... |
October 31, 2012, 08:08 AM | #14 |
Junior Member
Join Date: October 26, 2012
Posts: 5
|
Magnum Wheel Man, you are right on target. I have had poor accuracy out of anything smaller than 230 grains out of a Ruger Bisley and my S&W Model 25 Classic. The rifling's rate of twist is intended for bigger bullets.
The big meplat is king most of the time, and certainly is in this caliber. 250 to 280 grain semi wad cutters going a moderate speed( 650 to 850 fps) is a proven killer. |
October 31, 2012, 08:43 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 1998
Location: Ohio USA
Posts: 8,563
|
Heavier if cast lead....
Lighter if jacketed. The 200 gr Blazer JHP shoots extremely well out of my Winchester trapper. 255 gr cast lead w/a nice flat meplat aren't any slouches either. I'd feel confident w/either. I wouldn't feel all warm and fuzzy though with a 200 or less gr. cast lead. |
October 31, 2012, 11:58 AM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 13, 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 531
|
I use Lead in a 45 Colt (5.5 inch tube) and I use a 250g bullet
I would a 255 before a 200 Snake |
October 31, 2012, 01:29 PM | #17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 1, 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 284
|
Magnum Wheel Man: Did you say
Quote:
|
|
October 31, 2012, 01:32 PM | #18 | |
Junior member
Join Date: October 4, 2007
Location: All the way to NEBRASKA
Posts: 8,722
|
Quote:
|
|
October 31, 2012, 01:33 PM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 26, 2006
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 9,333
|
I'm a picture whore...
this lil gal has been all over this site... but just for you... here she is again
my build thread... errr not my build thread, but the new grips thread... http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=463247
__________________
In life you either make dust or eat dust... Last edited by Magnum Wheel Man; October 31, 2012 at 04:55 PM. |
October 31, 2012, 01:37 PM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 26, 2006
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 9,333
|
thin humans... uncommon... or the 255's
__________________
In life you either make dust or eat dust... |
October 31, 2012, 03:46 PM | #21 |
Junior member
Join Date: October 4, 2007
Location: All the way to NEBRASKA
Posts: 8,722
|
the thin humans ..... I live in one of the fattest states in the fattest country in the world ..... the shame of it is that the poorest segment of the population is also the heaviest.
|
October 31, 2012, 04:24 PM | #22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: February 12, 2009
Location: Butte, MT
Posts: 2,616
|
I suspect either will do.... But I like slow and heavy (nothing scientific here ). So a 255g SWC would do just fine. FYI, I shoot nothing but lead in .45 Colt and all other calibers for that matter anymore.
__________________
A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king. |
October 31, 2012, 04:42 PM | #23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 1, 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 284
|
Thanks Magnum Wheel Man. I have to say that is the most unique and coolest snub nosed revolver I have ever seen. Put a set of pearl or ivory grips on it and you could almost see Doc Holiday carrying it.
|
October 31, 2012, 07:03 PM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 30, 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 172
|
There are a lot of variables in cast bullets
Hollow points cast from an appropriate alloy are every bit as effective as jacketed hollow points. Non-expanding designs rely on their shape and weight to provide performance. Large flat meplat designs tend to be the best performers, and in my opinion, the heavier the better (within reason).
Light weight bullets rely on velocity to achieve good penetration. The momentum of a heavier bullet allows it to penetrate deeper at the low velocities typically seen with short barrels. The bullet has to get to vitals to do it's job, and we can not always assume that the shot will be fron to back with no major skeletal structure in the way. The shot could easily be from the side, requiring a shot that penetrates the upper arm or shoulder, or the assailant may be facing us, but pointing a gun with both hands, once again increasing the odds that the bullet has a lot of work to do before reaching the vitals. Years ago there was an article in one of the gun rags that explored the performance of various bullet weights in snub nose revolvers. In almost every case, the heavier bullets out performed the lighter bullets. My general purpose load in .45 Colt uses LBTs outstanding Ogival Wadcutter bullet, weighing in a about 265grns when cast from wheel weight alloy. Water quenching brings the hardness to about a 21BHN. This bullet has a front meplat that is nearly full caliber. It penetrates deep and crushes pretty much anything in it's path. Wound diameter will depend on impact velocity, but even at an estimated 750-800fps, I have poked 1/2"+ holes completely through more than one deer. This bullet does the job, and I would have no issues using it for defensive purposes. My second choice would be a true Kieth style bullet. I would only select the original 255grn RNFP as a last resort in a heavy bullet, but would probably choose it over a 200grn bullet. Light weight and low velocity are not a good combination in my experience. Heavy for caliber is the way to go. JW |
October 31, 2012, 07:27 PM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 9, 2004
Posts: 5,172
|
Keith 255 gr from Missouri Bullet. I have 1500 of them
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|